Under-counter dishwasher



Dec. 8, 1953 J. w. MONAIRY 2,661,750

UNDER-COUNTER DISHWASHER Filed May 26, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet l Jacob W. M vNair'tj,

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l-lis Attor neg.

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 26, 1951 u .w. r m O F m 0 ew u v N A .10 C .6 a H J% m a w x 3 mm 3 e OIfiQL 7 m Dec. 8, 1953 J. w. M NAIRY UNDER-COUNTER DISHWASHER 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 26, 1951 Inventor: Jacob W. M Nair- I r by Hi5 Attorney.

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 J. w. MCNAIRY UNDER-COUNTER DISHWASHER Dec. 8, 1953 Filed May 26, 1951 Inventor:

Jacob W. M Nair 9 His Attorney.

Dec. 8, 1953 J. w. MONAIRY 2,661,750

UNDER-COUNTER DISHWASHER Filed May 26, 1951 s Sheets-Sheei 5 Inventor": Jacob W. M Nair' His Attorney.

Patented Dec. 8, 1953 UN DER- COUNTER DISHWASHER Jacob W. McNairy, Westport, Conn, assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application May 26, 1951, Serial No. 228,465

11 Claims.

My invention relates to a dishwasher or similar device and more particularly to a washer having a tub movably housed under the top of a work surface or counter. Such washers are loaded and unloaded by pulling them forwardly, like a drawer, from under the counter top. In this way the work surface on the top of'the counter is made useful at all times and installation of the washer in a kitchen does not materially subtract 1 from useful floor or counter space.

My invention is concerned with a dishwasher or the like of the above character in which the cover for the tub remains under the counter at all times so that when the tub is moved out, it is free to be loaded or unloaded without further manipulation of parts and without the need for moving the dish racks separately from the tub. My invention is further concerned with a control handle for initiating the automatic operation of a dishwasher, the handle being designed so that it not only controls the washing mechanism but also moves the cover of the tub into sealing posi tion and also acts as an interlock to prevent withdrawal of the tube when the machine is operating. The type of cover closure may also be used to reduce vibration and noise in operation of the machine. dishwasher of my invention shall be provided with means for supplying heating and circulating air to dry the dishes, as well as a supply of water for washing and rinsing, it is a further object of my invention to so design and locate the inlets and outlets for air and water in the tub that their safe and positive functioning at proper times during the various cycles of operation of the machine is assured.

The objects of my invention are met by certain novel constructions of the enclosing cabinet, tub and cover, of the operating handle and of the air and water inlets and outlets as will be set forth more specifically herein. Other objects and details that which I believe to be novel and.

my invention will be clear from the following description and claims taken with the accompanying drawings in which is illustrated an example of dishwasher embodying the present invention and incorporating my improved construction. In the drawings Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a portion of a kitchen counter, including an exemplary pull-out dishwasher according to my invention housed under the counter Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. l but showing the dishwasher tub in its extended position for loading or unloading; Fig. 3 is a front elevation View of the dishwasher of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 on a larger Because I prefer that the cooperate with the slides 8 and 9.

2 scale, parts being shown removed or broken away for clarity of illustration, the controls being shown in one position of the operating cycle; Fig. 4 1s a fragmentary elevation view similar to a part of Fig. 3 but showing the controls in another operating or running position; Fig. 5 is a side sectional view through the dishwasher, with the tub shown in its removed or open position; Fig. ii 15 a top plan view of the washer with the tub in its closed position, the counter top over the washer being removed and various parts being broken away for clarity in illustration; Fig. '7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line and in the direction of the arrows 1-1 of Fig. 6, parts being shown in unlocked or open cover position; Fig. 8 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 7 but showing the same parts in their closed cover position; Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the line and in the direction of the arrows 99 of Fig. 6, the solid lines indicating open cover positions and dotted lines indicating closed cover positions of the parts; Fig. 10 is anenlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line I0l0 of Fig. 6, parts being shown in their open cover position; Fig. 11 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 10 but showing how the oper-- 6 showing the spring mounting for biasing the cover of the tub.

A dishwasher according to my invention is intended to be mounted under a horizontal tablelike work surface such as the counter I in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. This counter is shown as provided at one end with a sink 2 and with cabinets 3 located under the counter. At a suitable place under the counter, or in a separate section by itself is the dishwasher 4.

- frame pieces 5 which are fixed in place, covered by suitable side and back panels 6 made of sheet metal.

The principal part of the dishwasher is the tub I which is supported like a drawer within the framework as by slide tracks 8 fixed to the frame, slides 9 fixed to the tub, and interconnecting center slides H! with rollers H, !2 and I 3 which This type of construction is similar to that used in metal ofiice furniture and need notbefurther described ex- Preferably, the dishwasher includes a cabinet enclosure for itself so 3 cepting to note that when the tub is fully withdrawn from its cabinet, it is supported above the floor by the slide tracks and rollers, and the open top of the tub is fully exposed.

On the front of the tub is a front panel I4 suitably secured to but spaced from the tub and carrying a tub-pull or handle I5 by which the tub is moved. into or out of its cabinet.

Within the tube are the usual dish and silverware holding racks l6 which support articles to be washed. The machine shown is of the type wherein a centrally located impeller I! in the bottom of the tub: is used to circulate water or cleaning solution. As is usual, the impeller picks up liquid from the bottom of the tub and sprays it or throws it violently upwardly and outwardly against dishes or other articles which are placed in the racks in the tub. This impeller is driven by a motor l8 located and supported below the bottom of the tub.

,In order to supply water to the tub, there is a water inlet pipe 19 supp rted by the tub and opening into the tub as at 20. At its upper end the pipe i9 is provided with a funnel 2] for pur- Doses which will later appear.

In operation of the machine water .is introduced, a suitable detergent is dispensed within the tub and the impeller sprays the resultant cleaning solution against the dishes for a desired length of time to cleanse them. After washing, water is drained from the tub through a suitable drain valve such as the one indicated at 22, the drain valve is then closed, and more water is supplied for rinsing the .dishes. After rinsing, the drain valve is again opened and the water is drained away so that drying may proceed.

In order to assist in drying the dishes, as well as to keep the washing and rinsing liquids hot,

I provide an electric heater 213 of the sheathed heating coil type which is located near the bottom of the tub around the impeller at the approximate level that water or other liquid will stand in the tub when not being circulated. Outside air is provided to dry the dishes when the tub has been drained, the source of this air being the fan 24 which is also driven by the motor 48. Air is led from the fan to the interior of the tub through an air duct 25 which ends at an air inlet opening 26 in a side of the tubjust above and slightly to one side of the axis of the impeller.

The operation of these elements of the tub is automatically controlled by a suitable control mechanism which is preferably of the character shown and described in Patent 2,468,584, issued April 1949 to G. H. Wotring and assigned to the same assignee as the present invention. As shown in this patent, the controls include timing and operating mechanism driven by the motor and supported below the motor as on the lower control panel 21. These controls are actuated through control wires 28 and 23, the control wire 28 leading from the operating handle of the machine to the control mechanism, and the control wire 2.9 leading from the control mechanism to a detergent dispenser lever 3,0. This detergent dispenser lever 30 is of the same character as that disclosed in the Wotring patent and operates to dispense a suitable detergent into the tub at the proper time from a detergent dispenser cup (not shown) which is within the tub.

The control mechanism on the panel 21 also operates the drain valve 22 at the proper times during the washing and rinsing cycles through the medium of the control rod 31 in the general manner disclosed in the Wotring patent.

For the purposes of the present invention, the control handle for the machine is not located on the front of the tub or the front panel for the tub as disclosed in the aforementioned Wotring patent. There is, of course, an upper control bracket or panel 32 secured to the tub between the front wall of the tub and the front panel, and. this upper control bracket will carry the mechanisms which are connected to the control wires 28 and 29. To start and stop the machine, the wire 28 is moved by operation of a mechanism actuator consisting of a vertical arm 33 pivoted as at 34 to the upper control bracket and a separate horizontally extending arm 35 mounted on the same pivot. The arms 33 and 35 of the actuator are interconnected so as to operate together by means of a flange ear 36 on arm 33 which engages under the arm 35. This engagemerit limits movement of the arms away from each other. For purposes which will later be explained, a compression spring .3! is provided which extends between a flange ear 3.8 on 33 and a similar flange ear .39 on arm 35. Note that the arm33 does not have .a fixed pivot with the point 34 but is provided with a slot 39 so that this arm may have upward and downward movement as well as pivotal movement. The pivot is normally located in the bottom of the slot 39* by the lifting action of the spring .31.

It will be obvious from the above that counterclockwise movement of the mechanism actuator arm 35 about its pivot will lift the wire 28 and start the control mechanism, the parts being in the position of Fig. 4. When the control has completed the washing and rinsing cycle of operation of the machine, the wire 28 will be pulled downwardly by the control mechanism and will turn the mechanism actuator arms .33 and 35 clockwise to the position of Fig, 3, the arm 35 striking the stop 35'.

After this, the drying operation will proceed with the parts in the position shown, until the entire operating cycle is complete. The starting position of the actuating arms, which may be considered as the full stop or off position, will be about midway between the positions of Figs. 3 and 4. At this position of the mechanism actuator all circuits to the motor, heater, and electrical control elements will be open.

According to my invention, there is provided a single operating handle 40 for actuating the controls of the machine. This handle is pivotally mounted above the tub in the stationary framework of the machine. It has a cover operating shaft 41 secured thereto which extends above the cover 42 of the tub and has a bearing not only in the front framework, but also bearings .43 in a cross channel member 44 which is a part of the stationary framework.

(Bonnected to the cover operating shaft and therefore movable with the handle is an operating and locking lever 45 which can swing downwa-rdly into the space between the front of the tub and the front panel on the tub and engage the mechanism actuator to operate the machine.

Engagement of the operating lever with the mechanism actuator is obtained by means of pins 48 and 41 on arm 33. As the operating lever is swung downwardly and across the arm 33, the tip of the lever swings above pin 46, until the lever clears that pin, and further movement of the lever will engage the pin 47. Still further movement of the operating lever in a clockwise direction will move the mechanism actuator counterclockwise and lift the control wire 28 as previously described, putting the parts in the position of Fig. 4 and starting the machine.

The operating handle not only actuates the control mechanism but it also determines the position of the cover 42 for the tub. The cover is preferably made of comparatively thin resilient sheet metal and seals with the upper edge of the tub as by a gasket 48 when the cover is forced downwardly against the tub. The cover is supported above the tub and under the counter by the channel. member 54 which has side arms or ears 49 on which compression springs 53 are mounted. These springs carry at their upper ends washers 5! which are connected to cover lifting pins 52, in turn secured to a pressure plate 53. The pressure plate 53 is suitably secured as by bolts 54 to the central portion of the cover. When the pins and washers 5| are lifted by the springs 59, they will raise the pressure plate 53 and the cover 42 upwardly and away from the tub. In order to force the pressure plate downwardly and to seal the cover of the tub, the cover operating shaft 4! is provided with a cam 55 secured to and rotatable with the shaft. This cam has bearings in the cross channel 454 as shown, and the face of the cam rides on a pressure roller 56 which is carried on one end of a guiding arm 51 which is pivoted as at 58 in the cross channel member. As shown'best in Fig. '7 and Fig. 8,

when the handle and operating shaft are in raised position, the springs will raise the cover, and when the handle and cam are turned downwardly, the cam pushes the roller and guiding arm downwardly so that the roller pushes the pressure plate and the cover downwardly to seal the cover on the tub. There is a slight dwell provided in the cam at this point so that when the cover is closed it tends to hold itself in that position even though the springs are biasing the cover toward raised or open position at all times. However, if the cam is turned slightly toward its upward position, the cover springs will have a tendency to raise the cover entirely and force the cam and the handle toward their upward positions.

Camming of the cover closed not only seals the top of the tub, but also clamps the whole tub assembly firmly against the supporting rollers and slides. This substantially reduces vibration and consequent noise during operation of the machine. The resiliency of the cover and the pressure plate used to distribute pressure of the cam assist in this firm-clamping action.

In order to return the mechanism actuating parts to their starting position at the end of the complete cycle of the machine, I have shown a resetting rocker 59 pivoted on the upper control panel 32 as at 63. This resetting rocker is connected as by the tie bar iii to the actuating arm 35 so that when the rocker is moved clockwise the arm is moved counterclockwise toward raised position, and vice versa. A roller 62 at the top of the rocker will be engaged by the tip of the lever arm 45 when the roller is in the path of movement of the lever.

As explained above, Fig. 4 shows the parts in their normal on or operating position. When the drying cycle is reached by the predetermined timed operation or the controls, the controls will move the wire 28 downwardly, thereby moving the arms 35 and 33 to the position of Fig. 3. The lever 45 will not move, because it lies against the stop 45', preventing movement in a clockwise direction, and because the position and shape of the cam (see Fig. 8) produce sufficient resistance to prevent movement in the opposite direction. Therefore, as the arm 33 is moved, the pin 41 will ride under the tip of lever 45 depressing arm 33 as it slides in its pivot slot 39, until the parts reach the position of Fig. 3. Thereafter, when the machine is stopped automatically by the controls after completion of the drying operation, the arms and 33 remain in this position and the cover will remain closed and locked. To unlock the cover and to reset the control mechanism, the handle is moved counterclockwise or lifted, raising the cam, and the tip of lever 45 will clear both the pins 4'! and 46 on arm 33 but will strike against roller 62, turning the rocker clockwise, raising the tie bar El and the arm 35 and thereby returning the actuator parts to their intermediate or starting position.

A should be obvious from the above description of parts and operation of the mechanism, movement of the operating handle downwardly will effectively lock the tub under the counter. This is so not only because the locking lever will be engaged in the space between the tub and the front panel, but the end of the handle itself will be in front of the front panel and will prevent withdrawal of the tub.

If the tub were stationary, there would be no problem in supplying it with air or water at the proper times, and in providing a drain or exhaust for water and air. However, because the tub must be pulled out and pushed back for loading and unloading, the usual air and water connections cannot be made. I have already described a portion of the water inlet including the parts which are carried by the tub and therefore movable With it. Water should not be supplied to the tub when the tub is withdrawn, and therefore I provide a water supply connection which is broken when the tub is withdrawn. This consists of a water supply pipe 53 which is carried by or is stationary with respect to the outer cabinet or framework of the washer, a solenoid inlet valve 54 which is electrically controlled by a water inlet control mechanism similar to that of the Wotring patent mentioned here, and an in let pipe 55 beyond the valve ending in a substantially vertical downwardly directed discharge which is located just above the funnel 2| of the tub water inlet pipe when the tub is housed under the counter. Between the funnel on the tub and the end of the discharge 66, I provide an air gap 61 through which incoming water must fall. This air gap will prevent water from siphoning back out of the tub in the event of an extreme drop of pressure in the water supply line. This air gap also provides clearances and a break in the water supply line so that the tub may be pushed inwardly or pulled outwardly without interference with the water supply line.

Part of the water outlet system has already been described in mentioning the drain valve 22. The drain system also includes a centrifugal drain pump 58 driven by the motor and located just below the tub. A drain hole or holes 59 in the bottom of the tub near the center of the pump serves as an inlet to the pump from the tub, and the pump discharges through an outlet l'il which leads to a point in a closed chamber just cause the valve is closed, the water will merely recirculate in the pump. When the drain valve is in its open or draining position, the valve head will be above the drain pump outlet and water will be forced by the pump through the open drain valve and through a drain pipe H leading from the drain valve. This drain pipe, like the water inlet, has a downwardly directed discharge section 12. Water forced into the drain pipe and through the discharge section will fall through an air gap l3 and into a funnel 745 which is at the top end of a fixed drain pipe 75 on the frame of the machine leading to the usual sewer. Of course, the portion of the drain pipe connected to the drain valve is supported and carried by the tub. If preferred, a flexible hose connection from the drain valve to the fixed drain pipe may be used instead of the drain pipe H, discharge '12, air gap 13 and funnel 14 if it is desired to have a permanent drain connection between the tube and the sewage system.

Air supply for drying the dishes is provided through the fan 24, air duct and inlet opening 26 as above described. When the machine is operating with liquid in the tub, air is prevented from entering the tub (which entering air might cool the washing or rinsing liquid undesirably) by providing a screen 16 over the air inlet 25 in the manner shown and claimed in the copending application of Jame L. Knight, Ser. No. 227,381, filed May 21, 1951, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application. While the screen is wet, air will not effectively pass into the tub. When allowed to drain dry, the screen will permit the passage of air into the tub, where it will be circulated by the impeller over the heater and will dry the dishes upon continued operation of the impeller and heater. All of the air inlet structure are obviously attached to and movable with the tub.

In order to dry the dishes more effectively, a discharge or vent should be provided to allow the escape of moist air when the fan is supplying air to the tub. Such venting is provided through openings il in the front portion of the cover, with flexible vent ducts T8 of rubber or similar material seated therein. As shown, these vent ducts are of eneral L-shape and lead forwardly to points adjacent vent openings 19 in the front wall of the stationary frame or cabinet of the washer. A projecting lip 88 on the inside of the cabinet wall frame just below each vent opening '19 insures proper location of this end of the vent duct when the cover is in its closed or operating position. See Fig. 9. A coiled spring 8! seated within each vent duct holds the duct in fixed relation with respect to the vent opening in the cover and also serves to condense a portion of the moisture from the air as it passes through the duct. This spring may also prevent suds from the washing solution from passing out through the vent duct by breaking up the froth or suds.

Let us assume that it is desired to use the machine, the operating handle having been moved manually after completion of a previous operating cycle to its upward horizontal or off position. The handle and the operating and locking lever will be out of the path of movement of the tub, and the cover springs will hold the cover and operating shaft in open position. v

To load the washer, the tub handle 15 is pulled outwardly, the drawer slides open, and the dish racks are exposed for loading. Detergent is added to the detergent dispensing cup if one is used.

The water supply connection is broken at its air gap and the tub moves easily out from under the vented cover as the tub is withdrawn. The operating handle can not be used to start the machine while the tub is withdrawn because the operating-locking lever on the cabinet frame is out of registry with the mechanism actuator on the front of the tub.

With the loaded tub pushed back under the counter, the operating handle may be depressed to start the machine. This cams the cover closed, locks and holds the tub firmly in place, and actuates the control mechanism to start the automatic washing, rinsing and drying cycle. The water inlet and outlet connections are in proper place, and water will be introduced at the proper time, impelled against the dishes and drained away according to the planned cycle of the control mechanism. When the washing and rinsing part of the cycle is complete, the control will throw the mechanism actuator to drying position and thereafter will stop the machine. The control handle is then moved by hand to unlock the tub and open the cover while resetting the control mechanism. The drawer may then be opened for unloading of the dish racks, and the machine is ready for starting again.

As will be evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of my invention are not limited to the particular details of construction of the example illustrated, and I contemplate that various and other modifications and applications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore my intention that the appended claims shall cover such modifications and applications as do not depart from the true spirit and scope of my invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. In a washing machine of the type having a stationary cabinet with a substantially horizontal counter surface and a tub with an open top slidealoly mounted under said counter surface for movement between a position under said counter and a position withdrawn from said counter, and washing mechanism carried by said tub, that improvement comprising a cover for said open top movably carried by said cabinet under said counter surface, means on said cabinet normally biasing said cover away from sealing engagement with said open top, a control shaft movably mounted on said stationary cabinet above the path of movement of said tub and a lever on said shaft movable with said shaft to a control position to block said movement of said tub, means carried by said tub for operating said washing mechanism, said operating means being engageable by said lever upon movement of said shaft, said shaft also carrying means for moving said cover into sealing relation with respect to said open top when said tub is under said counter, a water inlet including a supply pipe with a substantially vertical downwardly directed open end carried by said stationary cabinet and a separate pipe section with an open top funnel carried by said tub, said open end being separated from said funnel by an air gap but being above said funnel when said tub is under said counter, a water outlet carried by said tub and cabinet, and valve means in said water inlet and said water outlet controlled by said means for operating said washing mechanism, for introducing water to the tub and draining water from the tub at pre-determined times.

2. In a dishwashing machine of the type having a stationary cabinet with a substantially horizontal counter surface thereon and an open top tub slideably mounted under said counter surface for movement between a position under said counter and a position withdrawn from said counter, that improvement comprising a cover for said open tub carried by said cabinet under said counter surface, means for moving said cover toward and away from sealing relation with respect to said open top when said tub is under said counter, a water inlet leading to said tub including a supply pipe with a substantially vertical downwardly directed open end carried by said stationary cabinet and a separate pipe section with an open top funnel carried by said tub, said open end being separated vertically from said funnel by an air gap when said tub is under said counter.

3. In a dishwashing machine of the type having a stationary cabinet with a substantially horizontal counter surface thereon and an open top tub slideably mounted under said counter surface for movement between a position under said counter and a position withdrawn from said counter, that improvement comprising a cover for said open tub carried by said cabinetiunder said counter surface, means for moving said cover toward and away from sealing relation with re-, spect to said open top when said tub is under said counter, said cover having an air vent outlet therein, means defining a vent opening through said cabinet, a flexible air duct having one end connected to said cover vent outlet and its other end adjacent said last mentioned means and means associated with said cabinet aligning said air duct in said cabinet vent opening upon movement of said cover into sealing relation,

4. In a washing machine of the type having a stationary cabinet with a substantially horizontal counter surface and a tub with an open top slideably mounted under said counter surface for movement between a positionunoler said counter and a position withdrawn from said counter, and washing mechanism carried bysaid tub, that improvement comprising a cover for said open top carried by said cabinet under said counter surface and movable with respect to said cabinet from a normal position away from said open top to a position in sealing engagement with said open top, a control shaft movably mounted on said stationary cabinet above the path of movement of said tub and a lever on said shaft movable with said shaft to a control position to block said movement of said tub, means carried by said tub for operating said washing mechanism, said operating means being engageable by said lever upon movement of said shaft, said shaft also carrying means for moving said cover into sealing relation with respect to said open top when said tub is under said counter, a water inlet to said tub, a water outlet from said tub, and valve means in said water inlet and said water outlet contrclled by said means for operating said washing mechanism for introducing water tothe tub and draining water from the tub at predetermined times.

5. In a dishwashing machine of the type having a stationary enclosing cabinet with a substantially horizontal top counter surface, an open top tub slideably mounted under said counter surface for movement between a position under said counter and a position withdrawn from said counter, and washing mechanism carried by said tub, a cover for said open tub carried by said cabinet under said counter surface and movable into sealing relation with the open top of said tub, a control shaft rotatably mounted on said cabinet above the path of movement of said tub, a handle on said cabinet for rotating said control shaft, a lever on said shaft movable to a control position to actuate said washing mechanism only when said tub is in said undercounter position, and means on said shaft for moving said cover into sealing relation with respect to said open top when said lever is moved to actuate said mechanism.

6. In a dishwashing machine of the type having a stationary enclosing cabinet with a substantially horizontal top counter surface, an open top tub slideably mounted under saidcounter surface for movement between a position under said counter and a position withdrawn from said counter, and washing mechanism carried by said tub, a cover for said open tub carried by said cabinet under said counter surface and movable into sealing relation with the open top of said tub, a control shaft rotatably mounted on said cabinet above the path of movement of said tub, a handle on said cabinet for rotating said control shaft, a lever on said shaft movable to a control position to actuate said washing mechanism only when said tub is in said under-counter position, said handle and lever blocking'movement of said tub when said washing mechanism is actuated, and means on said shaft for moving said cover into sealing relation with respect to said open top when said lever is moved to actuate said mechanism. 7. In a dishwashing machine of the type having a stationary enclosing cabinet with a substantially horizontal top counter surface, an open top tub slideably mounted under said counter surface for movement between a position under said counter and a position withdrawn from said counter, and washing mechanism carried by said tub, that improvement comprising a cover for said open tub carried by said cabinet under said counter surface, a control shaft movably mounted on saidcabinet above the path of movement of said tub, a handle on said cabinet for moving said control shaft, a lever on said shaft movable to a control position to actuate said washing mechanism, said handle and lever blocking movement of said tub whensaid washing mechanism is actuated, and a water inlet-to said tub includmg a supply pipe with a substantially vertical downwardly directed open end carried by said stationary cabinet and a separate pipe section with an open top funnel carried by said tub, said open end being separated from said funnel by an air gap but being above said funnel when said tub is under said counter, and said open end and funnel being out of vertical alignment when said tub is withdrawn from said counter.

8. In a dishwashing machine of the type having a stationary enclosing cabinet with a substantially horizontal top counter surface, and an open top tub slideably mounted under said counter surface for movement between a position under said counter and a position withdrawn from said counter, that improvement comprising a cover for said open tube carried by said cabinet under said counter surface and movable into sealing relation with the open top of said tub, a control shaft movably mounted on said cabinet above the path of movement of said tub, a handle on said cabinet for moving said control shaft, said handle in one position blocking movement of said tub, said shaft also carrying means for movmg said cover into sealing relation with respect to said open top when said tub is under said counter, and a water inlet to said tub including a supply pipe with a substantially vertical downwardly directed open end carried by said stationary cabinet and a separate pipe section with an open top funnel carried by said tub, said open end being separated from said funnel by an air gap but being above said funnel when said tub is under said counter, and said open end and funnel being out of vertical alignment when said tub is Withdrawn from said counter.

9. In a dishwashing machine of the type having a stationary enclosing cabinet with a substantially horizontal top counter surface, an open top tub slideably mounted under said counter S111! face for movement between a position under said counter and a position withdrawn from said counter, and washing mechanism carried by said tub, that improvement comprising a cover for said open tub carried by said cabinet under said counter surface and vertically movable into sealing relation with the open top of said tub, a control shaft movably mounted on said cabinet above the path of movement of said tub, a handle on said cabinet for moving said control shaft, a lever on said shaft movable to a control position to actuate said washing mechanism, said handle and lever blocking movement of said tub when said Washing mechanism is actuated, said shaft also carrying means for moving said cover intosealing relation with respect to said open top when said tub is under, said counter, and a water inlet to said tub including a supply pipe with a substantially vertical downwardly directed open and carried by said stationary cabinet, and a separate pipe section with an open toprfunnel carried by said tub, said; open end being separated from saidfunnel by an air gap but being above said funnelwhen said tub is under. said counter, and said openend and funnel being out of vertical aiignrnent whensaid tub is withdrawn from said coun e 10 In a dishwashing machine of the type slidably mounted within a. cabinet under a substantially horizontal counter surface carried. by the cabinet, an open toprtub slidably supported. to. move into and out of; said cabinet, an operating mechanism associated, with thetub andcarried thereby, means to control operation of said mechanism, a, cover for, said tub carried by the cabinet underits counter surface for movement vertically between a position in sealing relation with respect to the open top of said tub when saidtub is under the counter and a secondposition raised from said tub top, means resiliently bias, ing said cover toward said second position, a shaft rotatably mounted in superimposed relation to said cover, a cam fixed to said shaft operable, upon rotation to force said cover into said sealing relation against said resilient biasing means, an operating handle fixed to said shaft externally of the cabinet, and means fixed to said shaft cooperable with said controi means to efiect opera: tion of said operating mechanism only when saidtub is within the cabinet and said cover is in seal-,

ing relation with said tub.

11. A dishwashing machine comprising a Sta-1 tionary cabinet with a substantially horizontal counter surface thereon and a plurality of walls enclosing a washing compartment mounted under said counter surface, one of said walls forming a cover and being carried by said cabinet under said counter, and the others of said walls forming an. open-top tub slideably mounted for movement between a position under said counter and a position withdrawn from said cabinet, means f or. moving said cover toward and away from sealing relation with respect to said open top when said tub is under said counter, a water inlet leading to said compartment includinga supply pipe with a substantiallyvertical downwardly directed open end carried by said cabinet, and a separate pipe section with an open top funnel carried by one of said walls, said open end being separated vertically from said funnel by an air gap when said tub is under said counter.

JACOB W. MCNAIRY.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 775,580 Parrish Mar. 22, 1904 1,937,443 Shears Nov. 28, 1933 2,106,619 Merrill Jan. 25, 1938 2,301,601 Whittwer Nov. 10, 1942 2,455,182 La Vallee Nov. 30, 1948 2,468,584 Wotring Apr. 26, 1949 2,571,568 Greenup Oct. 16, 1951' 

